While the Oilers have a number of unanswered questions to address in regards to their forward lines, they also have to take a deep look at their defense corps before the start of the season. With Andrej Sekera bought out, Edmonton now has a vacancy on the blueline — which general manager Ken Holland appears to be leaving up for grabs for the Oilers prospects.

Ethan Bear, Evan Bouchard and Caleb Jones are considered to be the top candidates; however, taking into account Edmonton's needs, their current depth chart and the players' development, now could be the time for Bouchard to step up to the plate.

Given a seven-game trial to start the 2018-19 campaign, Bouchard looked solid. He scored his first NHL goal while also registering eight blocks, six hits and two takeaways; however, he did finish his stint with a plus/minus rating of minus-5 and was returned to his junior club, the OHL's London Knights, to further develop his game.

In London, he continued to thrive and show his worth as a top-tier offensive defenseman, racking up 16 goals and 53 points in 45 games. Bouchard also went on to record four goals and 17 assists in 11 playoff games for London. After the Knights were eliminated in the second round, he headed to the AHL to play with the Oilers' affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, where he tallied eight points in eight playoff games.

#Oilers D prospect Evan Bouchard discusses his remarkable 2018-19 season, getting to know fellow first-rounder Philip Broberg, working on specific aspects of his game & more at the outset of Development Camp. pic.twitter.com/ZbqLqRKxMu

Edmonton has been known to rush prospects; however, given that he's had a year bookended with pro experience, Bouchard is a different case than most and could be ready to step up and permanently make the roster in September.

Standing at 6-3 and weighing 194 pounds, Bouchard's size sets him apart from some of the Oilers' other prospects. He has a good frame that will allow him to stack up well to his opponents while giving him the size he needs to mature into his physical game. Add in that he has taken steps to improve his skating, which was a cause for concern in his transition to the NHL, along with good puck control, solid passing and a booming point shot, Bouchard already possesses the skillset and caliber it takes to succeed at the NHL level.

While Bouchard is a top candidate, Edmonton does have a few choices when it comes to filling their blueline, although their current depth chart presents a vacancy on the right-hand side. Jones seems like a strong option, but the Oilers are already loaded with left-hand shots in Oscar Klefbom, Darnell Nurse and Kris Russell. They also need an offensive defenseman and more help on the right side, as it could be built upon with Adam Larsson and Matt Benning leading the charge.

Bear could make the jump, and he has gotten more time to build on his skill, but Bouchard can provide that offense that the Oilers need immediately — especially given their scoring situation up front. With great vision and a knack for finding the net, the Oakville, Ont., native has proven to be a solid puck-moving defenseman who can either start the breakout himself or join the rush. He can quarterback the power play and provide a much-needed boost in scoring.

Having a handful of depth defenseman is a good problem to have, and given Edmonton's history, it can be tempting to allow Bouchard more time to develop. Yet, in one year he's been able to prove plenty and seems like the right choice moving forward.